Stories Unexpected

AuthorZ

An A to Z resource for writers at any stage.

Note: This resource is intended to be a helpful guide for writers based on general information available on the Internet. It is not a comprehensive set of strict rules, and there are always exceptions. Please feel free to send me suggestions for new terms to add, or helpful links that support a term.

Acronyms/abbreviations

A = Adult

ARC = Advance reader copy

CB = Chapter book

CNR = Closed-No Response

CP = Critique partner

ER = Early reader

HC = Hardcover

MC = Main character

MG = Middle grade

MS = Manuscript

MSWL = Manuscript wishlist

NA = New adult

PB = Picture book or paperback

R&R = Revise and resubmit

WIP = Work in progress

YA = Young adult

Advance reader copy (ARC)

A copy of a book given to certain people who are permitted to read it before its publication date, usually for the purpose of providing reviews.

Age category

Below are general age range guidelines. (Not to be confused with genre.)

Picture Book (PB): <5 years

Early Reader (ER): 5-9 years

Chapter Book (CB): 6-10 years

Middle Grade (MG): 8-12 years

Young Adult (YA): 12-18 years

New Adult (NA): 18-30 years

Adult (A): 18+ years

Agent (literary agent)

Someone who represents writers and their written works to publishers (or other producers) and assists in the sale and deal negotiation.

Antagonist

The character or other nonhuman entity in your story that is against the protagonist.

Author

That’s YOU! If you’ve written something, you’re not an aspiring author, you’re an author, whether you’re published or not.

Beat

A description of the physical action a character makes while speaking. Used to enhance dialogue. Learn more.

Beta reader

A test reader who reads your unpublished/in-progress work to give feedback from the perspective of a typical reader. (Not to be confused with critique partner.)

Character arc

The inner journey and change of a character over the course of the story.

Published books (or movies) that are similar to yours to help identify your likely readers and/or bookstore shelf placement. Comps are typically mentioned in a query letter to pitch your story to agents/publishers . Learn more.

Writing Irresistible Kitlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers, by Mary Kole

Critique

Another writer’s evaluation of your writing, which identifies both what’s working well and areas for improvement. Can include everything from grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage, character development, plot, pace, tension/conflict, stakes, show vs. tell, etc.

Critique partner (CP)

Another writer with whom you exchange work for the purposes of critique.
Find a CP:

A short attribution that appears before, in the middle of, or after dialogue to indicate who is speaking (e.g., she said). It may also describe the volume, tone, or emotion of the dialog (e.g., she whispered). Learn more.

Editor

In publishing, editors play various roles, from acquiring new manuscripts (acquisitions editor) to revising accepted works to be published (copy editor; developmental editor).

Also called the story arc, it’s the sequence of events that unfolds in peaks and valleys throughout the beginning, middle and end of the plot. Learn more.

On submission (on sub)

An agent has accepted your manuscript and has sent it to acquisition editors who are reading it to consider offering to publish it.

Pitch

A short, snappy description of your story that piques interest by describing what is unique/fresh, striking, and compelling. Typically appears in a query letter or online pitch contest, and may range from one sentence to a paragraph or more, depending on how it’s being used. Learn more.

Why it’s so important: A pitch helps sell/market your book at every stage of the submission/publishing process (to agents, publishers/editors, bookstores, and ultimately the reader and their reviews/recommendations to other readers).

When an agent/editor asks a querying writer to revise their manuscript and resubmit it for their consideration.

Show Vs. Tell

Use description and action to help a reader experience your story, rather than telling them using summary or exposition. Learn more.Example:
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” — Anton Chekhov

Synopsis

A one- to two-page summary of your novel, including spoilers. Learn more.

Tense

The time reference (i.e., past or present) in which your character/narrator is telling the story. Learn more.